Viscount Belwick of Salinmoor's page

Belwick is pleased with the turn of events. "I would indeed appreciate a trip to Salinmoor, though the return there would be after we finish our business here. I'm not sure if you want to wait for us."

He retrieves a book from his magical bag. "Do you enjoy a good book? If you don't mind something a bit academic, Nystul's The Metaphysics of Mathematics is a fascinating tome that I'd be willing to part with. Alas, I don't have anything spicy for you. But I'd gladly get you something if we were back in Salinmoor."

Land the island. Long rest. Portal. Head to Salinmoor. That's my vote

"Finding a way out of a chasm is simple compared to the issue of a floating island plummeting to the ground. I've no doubt that between Alisanne and I we can work something out."

"Besides, we've an interesting portal to navigate too. Mayhap the exit is different from the entrance?"

He stops and looks at Alisanne. "What do you think? Got a way to get us all out of here? Planning to animate another carpet into flight?

Arcana vs DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Belwick nods in agreement with Alisanne. "It's as my friend says. If you were bound here, no more. You may return now to your home plane."

At the mention of paying, Belwick gives Baghotir a look. "I don't know that we're actually looking to make another deal. I'm certain that you'd rather not be bound to service once more either."

It takes several moments for Belwick to recover from the brief, wanton violence. "So... unnecessary."

He recovers though, and is quick to agree with Alisanne. "We can treat with the ferryman. I am certain that, if it was bound under duress, it should be relieved to be free of that now. But if you know the details of the contract, or can point us to where it might be written, we can go into that conversation better prepared."

Belwick is aghast to see his friends fighting his friends. "What are you doing?! Stop! Stop this at once! We're supposed to be helping them! We've brought a vessel for this situation!"

He's clearly torn, not wanting to enact violence on either but lacking a concrete way to stop the fight from happening.
Dodge action feels appropriate here

Unless stopped, Belwick will depart with the East Wind to retrieve the body they've already fought twice now.

"Of course! I'm not really suited for feeding ore to the engines, but my friends here probably could. That said, I think I can get the lot of you into a body. I've actually done so recently, so I know how to make the process work. Should I go get a body now? Perhaps Caelius can help me with carrying it?"

"This escalated..."
Wisdom save, DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

When it becomes clear that Dunstan will not be dissuaded from talking about magic, the viscount decides to lean into it. "Indeed, I have been working on adapting some of my own ideas into a spell. One related to more aquatic transformations. My companions and I have spent more time by the water in Saltmarsh than I anticipated, and it feels like a poorly explored magical area. See, the idea would be to transform ones anatomy so that they can first breathe underwater. But that in itself isn't enough..."
Arcana vs Dunstan: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Weathering the mental barrage of thought, Belwick decides to single out a single consciousness. "I'm happy to answer questions and find a way to get you each what you want, but I first need you all to be patient. One at a time, please."

He then directs his requests to Dunstan. "Dunstan, I am a wizard and would be delighted to talk more about magic. But I first need to understand what you do have control over. Some things appear to be damaged as well, which is a thing we might be able to help with. Please, if you can, tell us what purpose you five have been put towards. There's likely a spell or two that I could employ to improve upon your collective situation."
Persuasion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"Aye, nasty indeed. I am left wondering just how long the imp had the run of this place. I am not willing to believe that this was done at the hands of Kwalish."

Nonetheless, Belwick will study the 'armor', hoping to understand it more.
Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Not willing to spend too much time on it, the nobleman follows Baghotir. "I would definitely like to land this somewhere. Ideally a location that can sustain its presence. Though it may be that at some point we could send people here to pilot this to Salinmoor. A floating craft such as this would be an asset in any war that Keoland might face."

"Well now, this was worthwhile. Good find, Baghotir."

Belwick immediately begins casting the ritual spell needed to identify the magic with the three dragon ante deck.

The Viscount, but I digress

"This graffiti is, in some places, very old. A century, I'd say. And written by many different hands. But it looks like someone may have hidden something here. I'd suggest we might want to give this space a thorough searching."

Belwick doesn't explain how he knows this. He's not even sure how he knows. But he searches.
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 1

He is, alas, very quick to give up.

Belwick will take a moment to study the graffiti. He hopes to understand it more and, if possible, place its age.
History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Belwick is at a loss with the slaves. He's happy to let them flee, but without food or protection he's unsure how far they'll make it. "Get whatever food and supplies you can, and leave this place. But if you are able to wait a day, you most likely can travel with us. As lord of Salinmoor, I would do all in my power to find you homes. But your path is your own, and I will not stop you."

When they see the madmen, he looks sorrowful. "A swift death is probably the best mercy we can give them."

With the book secured, Belwick would look in it to see whether it contains the instructions necessary to craft the apparatus of Kwalish that they've been sent here to retrieve. "At the very least, we can see about building what the Quartermaster asked for. It may be enough in the end."

Belwick is pleased with his findings. "The armor is quite practical, and is probably useful for Alisanne or Venn. The manual is incredible, but the effort needed to create this ghastly construct is beyond our means. I think the Quartermaster would find it interesting. The elixir is an excellent cure all. And the pipe is fascinating, though I can perform most of the magic it contains. Does anything fancy anyone?"

"Oh, and the armor must not be placed in any other extradimensional space. Unless you want to be sucked into the Astral Plane."

"Good thinking. But please allow me a few minutes to identify the magic we've found, in case it can help us."

Belwick will proceed to cast Identify on all of the magic items they've found. The process will take 30-40 minutes.

"Well now. That'll explain why the body was still around after we first slew the Grand Master," Belwick says, picking himself up off the ground. "The mind of the original devil was in the jar, having somehow been extracted from its body. It was never completely slain until now."

The nobleman is battered and bruised in spite of Alisanne's healing words. "We were duped by a devil. Myself chief amongst us, I'm embarrassed to say. But I take some heart in the fact that we still attempt to see the good in others. And in this case, we had the help needed to fix the book. The island will stay afloat."

"I need rest, and I think I'm not alone. If no one objects, I will cast a warding spell so that an alarm sounds if anything wanders in. It'll give me time to study all we've found as well."

Belwick tries to keep the reproach out of his tone when he turns to the East Wind. "You are part of my retinue now. With your training, please do not hesitate to come to my aid when I am attacked."

Belwick's eyes open, only for Ossie to once more cut him down. The nobleman only manages to contribute a Wilhelm scream to the melee.
Death save: 1d20 ⇒ 6

At least we get more xp?
Death Save: 1d20 ⇒ 16

With guidance from Ossie, Belwick works to transplant the brain that is the ancient housekeeper into the mechanical husk of the Grand Master. He uses whatever materials the room possesses to facilitate the surgery, speaking words of abjurative magick to protect the brain (and himself) from harm.
Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Or
Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

I'm going to assume Belwick knows how far back that goes.

"King Tavish I? That dates back at least two hundred years, perhaps more. They reigned for many years. And though I do not know of Tophet, if you are willing to return with us to Keoland I can likely help you on your journey home before you need to take it. Plus, I would be interested in knowing some more about your homeland, especially as it was when you were last there. You'd have a unique historic view, and I expect one of my scholars would appreciate documenting it."

Belwick has, of course, assumed that there are scholars in Salinmoor who would be interested. Otherwise, he'll make it a point to hire someone.

Belwick is pleased to hear about all of the treasure and all of the components that are present. It fuels his imagination for a time, but he forces himself back to the present. A flying conveyance would be something special...

He thinks for a moment about Ossie. "Perhaps I know of your Archduchess? Myself, I am Viscount Belwick Donnamoor. Recently appointed as Lord of Salinmoor by King Kimbertos Skotti of Keoland. Do you know of Keoland?"

His tutelage by Master Blackmane included historical facts. Belwick considers whether anything Ossie shares is familiar.
History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
History (Using Inspiration) : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Confident that Alisanne and Baghotir can bring the mech suit back, Belwick focuses on finding the power cells. "Gearbox, if you have found anything that fits the description of a power cell, please indicate them to me."

While he looks, he once more engages Ossie in mental conversation. "I am curious as to your story, Ossie. Who are you before you came to be here? How did you become entangled with the Grand Master? And once you have a body again, what will you do?"

"We're going to need that book. Because it is quite valuable, and I am certain that if we need the funds I can find a wealthy academic. But also I will need to document the contents of that for our own use. At the end of the day, Kwalish had many strange ideas. But those ideas can serve us."

Belwick will perform the ritual necessary to detect magical auras, and will seek out any that he finds. "Ossie says that we should find what we're looking for here. The apparatus of Kwalish is, as I understand it, quite large though. So it's probable we'll need to look elsewhere. But this is the treasury, and I would like for us to find some treasure."

He will send his thoughts to Ossie while he works. "Do you have any idea where we might find a body for you? Is there perhaps some golem husk that could be used? A shield guardian? Did Kwalish perhaps create a simulacrum shell?"

Belwick follows the instructions, thinking his words and keeping them at the surface. [i]"Yes, we destroyed the eye, though I admit that I wish we could have salvaged it. I have cast a spell that allows me to comprehend languages, which got me over our initial communication barrier. It is good to meet you, Ossie. We are here specifically for an artifact of the wizard Kwalish's making. So it might be that we can help each other."

"But first, I recommend that you not refer to us as chimpanzees. And I promise to treat you with respect in kind."

The viscount will also explain to the others how they can communicate with Ossie.

Belwick stops short at the warning. "It seems that this entity believes that if we damage this book it will kill us all. I'm curious as to how, but given the artifice I would expect an explosion."

He's still unsure what to do with the box. He moves back to the brain, points to himself, and says "Belwick." He then points at the brain and says, "Who are you?"

"Well, now I can tell you that the brain in a jar happens to also be an a+&+%$*. Be thankful that you don't understand its tirade."

To test his theory, Belwick once more moves towards the 'book', and makes as if he's about to start yanking on wires.

"My.. gerbils? If this is a euphemism, it's not one I recognize. Especially given the context."

Nevertheless, he once more retrieves his spellbook to perform the necessary ritual spell that allows him to comprehend languages.

"I have no idea what you mean by my somehow liking being watched," Belwick says to the only party member that, as far as he can tell, has been stabbed by a former lover.

Arcane: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

The nobleman gasps at his realization. "It's the Eye of the Beholder! Their central eye is said to nullify magic, which will explain why this area is preventing my spellcasting. I bet that if we can remove that eye we can end the anti-magic aura."

"It could also be a useful tool, were it smaller."

"A brain, and now an eye. What other organs are we going to discover?"

Belwick stares at the eye for some time, trying to get a feel for whether the eye is seeing him or not. "I wonder what sort of creature has an eye of this size..."

"This would all be much easier if this brain could communicate using the Trade Tongue of Flanaess. Or even the language of Elves and Dwarves, which I can understand."

Belwick leaves the box, not wanting to break anything at this stage. He then tries to mentally project words in all three languages he knows, hoping that whatever sentience the brain has will respond in kind.

Belwick makes sure to explain what he knows to the others. "This is all a bit... experimental. The realm of artifice isn't one I've dug deep into, but I believe I have a good enough grasp to keep digging."

The viscount looks over how best to control the 'book', and tests whether he can open the box without making any changes to the switches and levers. He wants to get a good grasp of how to work it, and will slowly test things. But he's hopeful that he can find some sort of instructions or deduce how it all works.

"Well now, this is very interesting." Belwick smiles, pleased that the voice seems so panic-stricken. It suggests that he's onto something. "Gearbox, I suggest you scan this 'book'. I would like to know how it's operated."

When it becomes clear that magic really has abandoned him, at least for now, Belwick is forced to take a more hands on approach.

He joins Baghotir in his inspection of the brain and its jar. "It's interesting that the container is fused with the shelf. And it seems like there's some sort of string connecting it to other parts of this chamber."

The viscount tries to catalog all of what's at the end of the wiring, hoping to infer something about the nature of this thing from what it's connected to.

Arcana/Investigation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

And if nothing comes of it all, he will touch the jar.

"What the devil..."

If the talking seems to persist, Belwick will try casting Comprehend Languages as a ritual.

"I am ill-equipped for any dangers beyond. Venn, Caelius, and Baghotir. If you could lead the way with hammer and blade? But please, be careful."

Belwick stows his wand and draws his dagger, a tool that's been used to skewer meat more than flesh. He holds the weapon at the ready.

Belwick considers this for a moment. "My tutor, Oriel Blackmane, spoke of the concept of anti-magic, and how it might inhabit an area. It's possible we're in one such area."

To test his theory, the nobleman works through a pair of simple cantrips. The first is a minor illusion of a stool, appearing in front of him. The second is a light spell, which he places at the tip of his wand.

"It seems expeditious for us to seek out the treasury first, to see if the apparatus is there. Else I fear we might need to delve into the bowels of this place."

He looks to the East Wind. "Can you take us to the treasury?"

Belwick smiles at the praise from Baghotir. "You have yet to see Salinmoor. There are many who make the region work."

He looks to the East Wind. "What would you have me call you, new friend?"

Insight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Belwick sighs. "We are all the remains of men, nothing more. And though wind might blow us, battering these frail physical forms, we can grow."

The viscount, who now has a track record of picking up strays, says to the man. "I can help you find purpose. Rebirth. Redemption. I always have need for strong men, and I can give you a home within my retinue. Assist me, and I can give you peace with Salinmoor. What say you?"
Persuasion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"Let's rest a while. Like Venn, I would hear more of this man's story."

Belwick finds somewhere to sit, and repeats the ranger's question. "I too want to know: What will you make of your life if you're free from here?"

Short Rest Healing: 8d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 1, 3, 2, 3, 4) + 8 = 29

Belwick takes a moment to make sense of things while Venn secures their prisoner through sheer will alone.
Arcana, DC 19: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Arcana, DC 11: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"A bone devil. Incredible that it's here. Alas, slaying it merely sent it back to the Nine Hells. Though I would expect the body to disintegrate. Odd that it's still here."

He then turns his attention to the East Wind. "You have been duped, and defeated. If you seek redemption, you must speak truth. And I have questions..."

Belwick will ask:
- What other denizens are there here?
- What magic do the swords and pikes contain?
- Where can we find any texts or artifacts of Kwalish? He'll describe the apparatus as a specific example.

"It is easier to get answers from the living than the dead. Hold your blade please, Venn. We need to make sense of things if we're to find the apparatus."

Torn between dealing with the massive dinosaur or the meddling imp-like creature, Belwick decides that he fears the unknown more. Weaving words of magic into his spell, the nobleman says to the imp, "I suggest that you stay put and don't touch anything anymore."
Cast Suggestion on the Master/Imp. DC 16 Wisdom save

Relieved that the East Wind has turned their attention away, Belwick lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

He moves further away from the monk, assesses the situation, and decides that the best thing he can do to help Alisanne is to remove the distractions from Venn and Caelius.

His invisibility breaks as a bead of flame leaves his outstretched hand, floating towards the Grand Master, one of the monks, Venn, Caelius, and Baghotir. It stops abruptly, then bursts as his fireball detonates! He mentally sculpts the conflagration to that pockets of safety surround his friends, making sure that only their enemies are burned.
Fireball (3rd), DC 16 DEX: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 5, 3) = 28

He then mentally commands Hobart to fly towards him. The familiar is quick to comply, easily making the distance to reach his master, landing on Belwick's shoulder.

Arcana vs DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
"Those claws! They might be pieces of a vorpal blade! Beware!"[/dice]

He spares a glance at the man harrying him. [b]"I've had enough of this." He moves his wand through an intricate pattern, and with an arcane word disappears from sight.

He then moves away from them, attempting to do so as quietly as possible.
Stealth?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Belwick, having been hit in the face by a bolt, says a quick word of magic before disappearing in a gust of swirling mist. He reappears outside of melee, and rubs his jaw. "Ow. That hurt."

He's surprised by what has quickly escalated, and spares a moment to take stock of the situation.
Insight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
"The elder monks are focused on folks without a shield!"

Belwick will use the conversation to attempt to get a measure of the man.
Insight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4